PORTSMOUTH, Va – Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Tactical Innovation and Implementation Lab (TIIL) Mobile Implementation Team (MIT) began its fifth tour at Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY), Jan. 29.
The MIT delivered six innovative technologies from Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF).
Ken Sisk, a test house mechanic from PSNS & IMF, delivered innovative tools alongside Suzie Simms, NAVSEA 04X tactical implementation manager.
The TIIL is all about doing,” Simms said. “We recognize that there are many great ideas and innovative technologies across our shipyards that should be shared with all of our mechanics across the board. That’s where the MIT comes in. We take those steps to deliver these products to the other shipyards and into the hands of the mechanics.
This tour included providing the radiography column support fixture bracket which was designed to be used along with a support stand to handle the weight of the energy source during radiography inspection of the steam reboilers. This technology was created when the original support was not sufficient to support the weight of the collimator.
The simple go-or-no-go bevel check tool was an innovative technology created as a replacement for adjustable bevel protractors. The tool is made to withstand heavy damage while also providing laser cut precision when measuring angle requirements. It has the basic shipfitter and welder bevels marked and fits easily in a mechanic’s pocket.
Other tools shared were the VAC Box Test Kit which is a smaller air inductor developed for easy transport and storage. This tool replaces a 30 pound vacuum pump with a compact, one pound system that is easy to transport. Also provided to the NNSY mechanics were the salvage air killroys, FME, and sand blast protection covers which secure over salvage air valves for protection during painting or air blasting on submarines. Two of these FME covers were installed the same day on USS Albany (SSN 753). Finally, NNSY mechanics were provided a 3D-printed claw device that removes rubber studs from the interior of a tank without damaging it in the process.
We strive to take these mechanics who develop these innovative technologies and bring them to the other shipyards so they can provide hands-on demonstrations and immediately implement,” Simms said. “When you bring these mechanics together and get the tools in their hands, they can see firsthand what these new technologies can do and excite the innovation process in their own work areas.”
Code 2320.1 Engineer Donald Hoover experienced the MIT tour for the first time.
“We got to see a lot of good things today that could not only do amazing things for the shipyard solely for their intended purpose, but we are also coming up with ideas on how these technologies can be adapted to other areas within the shipyard,” Hoover said. “There’s a lot of good applications and we’re working together to find the best fit.”
“One of the big things we’ve noted from the MIT tours is that when we bring these new technologies to the other shipyards, the mechanics are able to see what the technology can do and modify it to best fit what works for them,” Simms said. “Today we saw that with the FME covers. They were able to adjust and modify the covers to fit what they needed. So not only were they able to use a new technology, but they were able to modify it and improve the technology.”
Process Improvement Manager for the Rapid Prototype Center (RPC) Martrail Parker and Code 930 Eric “Chops” Clarke are two of the leads for innovation at NNSY.
“I think having the MIT is a huge success, not only for our shipyard, but for all the shipyards across the Navy,” Clarke said. “When we have a need at the shipyard to get things done quicker and safer, it’s important to utilize our shipyard family across the country. We can share these technologies and this data, learning from one another, and improve ourselves. And that’s a big thing about what innovation is as a whole.”
Parker added, “We’re all one shipyard family and we benefit from each other. It takes a lot of communication to know what’s going on, and with the MIT in place, we are able to bridge these gaps and succeed together.”
NNSY will be leading the next MIT, March 12-16. One of the products they will be delivering to the other shipyards is a fiber optics test kit created by NNSY Mechanic Chris Nocon.
If you have an idea for an innovation or would like to share a technology already developed and used at the shipyard, contact Parker at 757-778-4181 or email martrail.parker@navy.mil.
Source: Kristi Britt Norfolk Naval Shipyard Public Affairs Specialist | http://bit.ly/2tMO9NO